Chapter 390 Upholding Professional Integrity
Isabella bent forward in a deep bow, her body forming a perfect ninety-degree angle in the direction Abella had departed.
A pang of guilt spurred her to grasp the microphone."I must apologize, Master QY, for my earlier ignorance. I have wronged you. Your critique was just. If I failed to achieve a score of nine, the fault lies with me."
Abella resumed her seat, her clear eyes settling on Isabella. Her voice, amplified by the microphone, carried each word to the eager ears of the audience.
"At this point in the competition, we judges do not consider nationality or personal relationships. We judge solely on the merit of your work. If your design is dazzling, a high score is deserved."
As a judge, Abella's professional integrity remained unblemished. She refused to let personal biases cloud her judgment.
"Keep your eyes on the prize. There are still two rounds to go. The final result is far from determined. Anything can transpire."Abella's composure and resolve resonated with the crowd, eliciting a wave of applause. She did not exploit the situation to disqualify Isabella, nor did she respond in anger.
The relief that swept through the backstage crew was palpable.Even Isabella felt compelled to bow once more, gratitude for Abella's magnanimity flooding her.
After the first round, only nine contestants advanced smoothly to the next stage. The challenge for the second round was to design the most beautiful wedding dress for the most significant person in their lives, be it themselves or a loved one, within a strict timeframe of sixty minutes.
An image immediately ignited in Abigail's mind. A person of such breathtaking beauty that no bridal gown seemed worthy. As Abigail contemplated, her gaze inadvertently drifted towards Abella amidst the flurry of activity.
"Abella, you handled that situation exceptionally well," Steven commented, admiration for his sister evident in his eyes. He was impressed by her maturity in navigating such a delicate situation with ease.
"It's nothing," Abella responded, her smile unfaltering. Such incidents were not uncommon in her line of work. They were an integral part of her experience, something she had grown accustomed to.
However, Abigail's lingering gaze on Abella sparked a curiosity in her. She wondered if Abigail was considering designing a wedding dress for her.After much deliberation, Abigail crafted a stunning and extravagant wedding gown, adorned with a myriad of sparkling rhinestones.
The allotted sixty minutes flew by.The nine designers ascended the stage, their creations in tow, awaiting critique.Abella seized the microphone, delivering her feedback one by one."Designer number nine, your design is commendable, but on an average person, it would resemble a net curtain. It's quite the beauty test."
A ripple of laughter coursed through the crowd. Upon closer inspection, the design did indeed bear a striking resemblance to a white net curtain.
"And number eight, the floral embellishments on the hem of your wedding dress make it look akin to a bedsheet."All eyes swiveled towards the dress, and sure enough, the comparison held.
Abella's critique was so sharp and accurate that the room erupted in laughter, followed by a round of applause.
"Only a young and radiant individual could carry off this wedding dress," Abella continued, her meticulous demeanor unwavering. "Designer number seven's blue wedding dress is too dark. Without the appropriate lighting and ambiance, even the most beautiful person could appear sallow. Wearing this at an actual wedding could diminish the overall effect. I would also advise ladies to avoid wearing garments that are too dark and stuffy in their everyday fashion choices."
Abella's feedback was spot on. Not a single person in the room disagreed, and many nodded in agreement.
"Designer number six, you've crafted a silver sequined wedding dress that perfectly encapsulates a woman's maturity and allure without appearing overly flirtatious. Well done."
"Designer number five, your dress is also silver, but with an exposed back and a daringly high slit, it's even bolder and more provocative. Very creative."...
Having meticulously evaluated the creations of eight designers, Abella finally allowed her gaze to settle on Abigail's masterpiece. The intricate pattern of dazzling rhinestones traced the body's contours with a bewitching elegance.
Even from a distance, the delicate sparkle of the gems and the fine mesh that softly embraced the mannequin's frame were appreciable."The bodice," Abella began, her voice carrying an air of authority, "features a snug design that accentuates a beautiful waist-to-hip silhouette.
The rhinestones, scattered throughout, add a touch of class, glittering with every step, transforming the gown into an embodiment of formal elegance and graceful majesty. It's sophisticated yet commanding."
She paused before continuing, "If worn by a fair-skinned individual, this dress would radiate an ethereal glow. For those with a darker complexion, the rhinestones would provide a beautiful contrast, while the exquisite lines would shine through the sheer fabric. Not bad at all."
With that, Abella revealed all the scores in one swift move, rating the nine designers simultaneously.
Abigail was taken aback to discover that she and the second designer, Isabella, had both scored an eight.
Isabella herself was equally stunned, not anticipating such high praise from Abella in this round.
"Your embroidered gown," Abella remarked, turning her attention to Isabella, "stands out particularly for its waist design. It exudes an ethereal yet edgy vibe, quite distinctive."
"Thank you, thank you, Master QY," Isabella replied, bowing repeatedly, grateful for Abella's unbiased and thoroughly professional assessment.
Next, it was Steven's turn to review the work of the nine designers. As Abella listened quietly, she didn't anticipate her brother to have such unique insights on design.
"Your wedding dress," Steven began, "is vibrant in color; from afar, it resembles a flurry of butterflies and, up close, layers of bird feathers. Though the style is appealing, it borders on kitsch, and I suggest wedding dresses should maintain a primary color."
After completing his critiques and scoring each designer, it was time for the next judge to speak.Whenever the siblings found a moment of respite, they would huddle close, their heads together, whispering.
A paparazzo managed to capture a shot of them deep in conversation, their silhouettes the only visible feature. The image ignited a media frenzy. 'Steven was actually seen initiating a chat with a woman. And so close, they murmured, and for such a long time. Wonder what juicy story comes next.'
After the judges had shared their critiques and tallied the scores, the host invited the top three contestants to share a few words.
Abigail gripped the microphone, her gaze finding Abella in the audience, and began, "There's been a mentor and friend in my life who's incredibly special to me. It's through her encouragement and support that I stand on this stage today. Her presence has been like a beam of light in the darkness, brightening my world. I want to take this moment to give her my heartfelt thanks. This bridal gown was designed especially for her."
"The gown reflects her beauty and an aura of aloofness, ethereal yet elegant and majestic."Abella watched the speaker with gentle eyes. The gown was indeed meant for her.
"Thank you, Abella," Abigail said, her gratitude echoing through the hall.None except Steven knew that Abella was the elusive QY they were speaking of.
They simply thought she was Abigail's dear friend.As Abigail's gaze lingered on the girl in the judges' region, her mind wandered to the past, memories flooding back.
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